Grinnell vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with Smith College in Northampton, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Smith College is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (2,857 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Smith College is in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Smith College 8:1.

Grinnell vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Smith College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Smith College than Grinnell ($27,305 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grinnell College are 25.4% lower than at Smith College ($16,842 vs. $22,570).
• Grinnell College is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Smith College (about $2,928 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Grinnell than at Smith College (about $2,928 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grinnell College than at Smith College (94% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Grinnell College students ($58,725 vs. $49,077).

Grinnell vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Grinnell or Smith College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Smith College and Grinnell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is the same as at Smith College (1480).
• Incoming Smith College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Grinnell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Grinnell (3.89).
• Smith College has a higher acceptance rate (21%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

Grinnell vs. Smith College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Smith College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Grinnell College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Smith College's (85%).
• Graduates from Grinnell College earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $5,830 lower median loan debt than Smith College graduates ($13,170 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Smith College graduates ($136 vs. $196).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Smith College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 80%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.